Two new Wyndham community centres scheduled to open in 2022 are set to receive indigenous names.
Wyndham council in consultation with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BLCAC) have selected “Koomail Tardy” for the building in Truganina and “Bembit Bag-rook” for the centre in Tarneit.
Location, Aboriginal heritage, and local flora and fauna were some common naming themes considered when determining the new names.
Local Aboriginal community member and proud Taungurung woman Rebecca Monohan said it is “extremely important” to showcase aboriginal languages in local council areas.
“Language provides deep connection for Aboriginal people to each other & culture, it is the backbone to our stories and dreaming.”
“By using Aboriginal Languages to name places highlights the thousands of years of Aboriginal connection to country,” Ms Monohan said.
“It’s a platform for our non indigenous communities to know who we are and where we come from.”
Koomail refers to grass that is used for weaving and Tardy means sister, while Bembit and Bag-rook translate to flower and women, respectively.
The new centres will provide family services including a new kindergarten, maternal and child health care and other relevant services.
Council officers reached out to BLCAC, the registered Aboriginal party for the land on which the community centres are being built in September 2021 and BLCAC responded with the proposed names.
Wyndham council said the move will actively recognise and celebrate the First Nation people, their heritage and acknowledge them as traditional owners of Wyndham.
While Ms Monohan believes the council is working hard on its reconciliation action plan, there can be some improvements.
“They need to involve more local Aboriginal community members in their decision making for the Reconciliation Action Plan. They are doing work on understanding cultural safety to help increase Aboriginal employment and this is a good long term goal.”
